If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, it’s important to locate an experienced attorney who specializes in helping accident victims. When searching for the right lawyer for your case, you will find there are 6 things you should look for.
1. Does the attorney specialize in motorcycle accidents?
Many lawyers who handle personal injury cases also represent bikers injured in wrecks. However, you should opt for one that focuses exclusively on representing riders. That way, he or she is sure to have extensive knowledge of state and federal laws that are especially applicable to your situation. He will also be up-to-date on any new developments in this area of law.
2. How many years has the lawyer been practicing?
A lawyer’s experience can determine his level of skill when it comes to dealing with insurance companies, filing lawsuits, negotiating settlements, and even trial work if necessary. Of course, an experienced attorney often costs more money than a novice would charge, but the difference in fees is generally justified by the value of his extensive experience.
3. What is the attorney’s track record?
A personal injury law firm can have a successful practice and handle dozens of cases, but fail the moment you go to court. It has been said that “a lawyer who loses seldom wins” so you should opt for one who has a long history of successful results, even if he does charge a bit more for this impressive record.
4. The location of the attorney
Generally, it’s not a good idea to hire an attorney who practices hundreds of miles away. When you need help after a crash, the last thing you want is to have to travel to meet with your lawyer or spend time waiting for him or her to drive over to see you. For example, if you have an injury in San Antonio, you should get a San Antonio motorcycle injury attorney who is close by and will also be much easier and less expensive to consult with whenever necessary. So this is definitely worth considering when choosing where to locate one.
5. Have other clients recommended them?
Personal referrals are often the best way to find legal representation because past clients are usually more than happy to talk about their experiences. Whenever possible, ask any biker friends if they can recommend someone they’ve used before, since his level of success will speak volumes about his skills. Once you locate a few prospects, contact each one of them and ask if they would mind speaking with you on the phone for just 5 minutes. The attorney must be willing to do this because it’s an excellent way he can prove himself if he doesn’t return your calls or isn’t available when it’s convenient for you.
6. How accessible is the attorney?
Even though you want to work with an aggressive representation, he will need to listen closely to what you have to say. It’s important that your attorney be willing (and even eager) to answer any questions or concerns that come up throughout your case because there are many bikers who never feel comfortable asking for help. Whenever possible, find a lawyer who makes himself readily available by phone or e-mail, rather than having you go through his legal assistant every time you reach out. This way, whenever something important happens in your case it can be dealt with immediately, allowing no room for mistakes.
Are there many attorneys specializing in motorcycle crashes?
According to the American Association for Justice, there are only about 40 lawyers in the entire country who specialize in representing bikers injured by negligent motorists. This is why it’s not just important that you choose a reputable attorney, but one who has extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases. You want someone with at least 10 years of successfully fighting insurance companies on behalf of riders before he even considers taking your case! The more he has helped others win compensation for serious injuries, the better chance you have of being adequately compensated if you too are hurt in an accident.
Should you collect medical receipts if you have injuries?
Oftentimes, bikers do not even know how to go about getting help after their crash. They are under the impression that it’s enough just to report the incident to the CHP, but without help from an experienced attorney this ends up being a big mistake due to the many restrictions put in place by insurance companies.
Even though you may have already gone through some initial medical treatment, it is important that you collect all possible documentation that will support your claim. Don’t settle when first made an offer, instead, wait and talk to your injury lawyer. Medical receipts include bills for ambulance transportation, emergency room treatment, diagnostic testing, and physical therapy sessions…
Finding an experienced attorney after having been injured in a motorcycle crash can be very difficult, but it’s important to make the effort. By following these six simple steps, you’ll have no problem locating someone who is professional and competent enough to ensure your claim gets the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
